Friday, January 24, 2014

OPPORTUNITY: Cheap Space

I know you need cheap space. There's two opportunities for it, courtesy of the League of Independent Theater.

From the website -- first, the Charter Barter Program:
The League’s Real Estate Committee is creating a new initiative with several NYC Public Schools. We are piloting this program in one school in the first and second quarter of 2014 in Long Island City.  We are looking for one company that is in need of rehearsal space in the first two quarters and that has an interest (and preferably some experience) in education and working with students. In exchange for up to 25 hours of rehearsal space per week for two months, we are asking the company to offer either a one day per week workshop or a two week workshop at the close of the rehearsal process.  We need a partner to help us build this program that we are hoping to replicate throughout the city.  If we can make this one work we can say goodbye to the rehearsal space shortage in NYC. 
You must be a member of the League to participate. Preference is given to member companies and artists in good standing who have demonstrated a commitment to the League in the past or a willingness to assist the League with upcoming initiatives. Members of companies using the space will be requested to join the League as well. By applying for the space, you acknowledge these conditions.

Secondly, the Subsidized Space Program:

In 2013, the League initiated a program to offer member companies and artists heavily-subsidized rehearsal space. It is approximately 5,000 square feet of commercial real estate located in Midtown. Since its inception over 20 companies have used the space. 
This is an opportunity to have a month (or more or less) of exclusive use of the space.  You are able to leave props and costumes (neatly) in the space. There is only a small upfront cost of $200 to offset the cost of insurance, plus perform 5 service hours.  (One person, 5 hours within 3 months of the closing of your show. Gleefully and competently.) We will be asking for a deposit on your first day of rehearsal as well, but that will be fully refunded as soon as the space is vacated in great condition. 
You must be a member of the League to participate. Preference is given to member companies and artists in good standing who have demonstrated a commitment to the League in the past or a willingness to assist the League with upcoming initiatives. Members of companies using the space will be requested to join the League as well. By applying for the space, you acknowledge these conditions.
Membership in the League is FREE and easy to join. Just sign up here, and you can get involved with advocating on behalf of artists and helping to conquer the problems we face.

I'm Still Here

I promise.

It's been a big bizarre change of pace for me in life.

My day job continues to consume.

I'm now the Director of Operations for the League of Independent Theater.

I'm working on my own solo show, written and everything'd by me (although with plenty of collabofriends at my side, don't worry).

But I'm still here.